Which of the following statements is (are) correct regarding aniline?

Options

A. It is more basic than ethylamine
B. It can be steam distilled
C. It reacts with `CH_(3)Cl//AlCl_(3)` to give -p- toluidine
D. If fairly soluble in water

Answer

To determine which statements regarding aniline are correct, we will analyze each option step-by-step.

### Step 1: Analyzing Option A
**Statement:** Aniline is more basic than ethylamine.

**Analysis:**
- Aniline (C6H5NH2) has a phenyl group attached to the amino group (NH2), which can participate in resonance.
- Ethylamine (C2H5NH2) has an ethyl group that exhibits a +I (inductive) effect, which increases the electron density on the nitrogen atom, making it more basic.
- In aniline, the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen can delocalize into the aromatic ring, reducing its availability to accept protons (H+).
- Therefore, ethylamine is more basic than aniline.

**Conclusion:** This statement is **incorrect**.

### Step 2: Analyzing Option B
**Statement:** Aniline can be steam distilled.

**Analysis:**
- Steam distillation is a technique used to separate compounds based on their volatility.
- Aniline can be separated from other compounds through steam distillation due to its boiling point and the presence of steam.
- This process is commonly used for compounds that are not soluble in water but can be vaporized with steam.

**Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

### Step 3: Analyzing Option C
**Statement:** Aniline reacts with CH3Cl and AlCl3 to give para-toluidine.

**Analysis:**
- When aniline reacts with methyl chloride (CH3Cl) in the presence of aluminum chloride (AlCl3), it undergoes an electrophilic substitution reaction.
- This reaction can yield both ortho-toluidine and para-toluidine as products.
- Since the statement only mentions para-toluidine and not ortho-toluidine, it is incomplete.

**Conclusion:** This statement is **incorrect**.

### Step 4: Analyzing Option D
**Statement:** Aniline is fairly soluble in water.

**Analysis:**
- Aniline can form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of the amino group (NH2).
- However, the presence of the hydrophobic phenyl group decreases its overall solubility in water.
- While it is somewhat soluble, it is not "fairly soluble" compared to other amines without aromatic groups.

**Conclusion:** This statement is **incorrect**.

### Final Conclusion
Only **Option B** is correct regarding aniline.

---